Head of People Business Partnering and Operations
37 hours per week (1.0FTE)
Band 7 – £50,253 - £58,226 (pay award pending)
Are you an experienced senior People (HR) professional who can lead an established People Business Partnering and Operations team and contribute to the positioning of an ambitious university as an Employer of Choice? The University of Suffolk is seeking a dynamic, legally current, solution focussed individual to join our People & Organisational Development (POD) Directorate as Head of People Business Partnering & Operations.
About the role
This is a pivotal leadership role within the People & Organisational Development Directorate, working closely with the Chief People Officer and Deputy Director, to deliver our People Strategy and support the University’s vision for growth and transformation. Directly responsible for leading and developing the University’s People Business Partnering and Operations function, the Head of People Business Partnering and Operations will deliver a responsive, customer-focused and solution-driven service which meets the needs of the wider university. Working closely with senior leaders across the institution, the postholder will drive transformational strategic and operational people initiatives that foster an inclusive, high-performing culture; shape organisational design and develop and support workforce planning to enable the achievement and delivery of the University’s strategic ambitions.
The role will also provide expert leadership on and manage complex employee relations matters directly – ensuring adherence to current and emerging employment law. Highly experienced in leading and managing organisational change, recruitment and people operations services, the Head of People Business Partnering and Operations will always strive for best practice and legal compliance while looking for opportunities to improve processes and services. A strong focus on a data-informed approach and outcomes will be essential, using evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making, enhance performance and deliver positive outcomes for colleagues and the organisation.
What we’re looking for
- A proven People (HR) leader with deep, current, knowledge of employment law and best practice in the management of change and people activities.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to engage confidently across all levels in person and in writing.
- Experience in leading a high performing HR / People team and delivering transformational change to meet the needs of the organisation.
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to balance strategic vision and operational excellence.
- A team player – able to bring the best out in and inspire the team and a genuine passion for working in a HR / People function in a complex and challenging sector.
- Strong planning and performance / accountability management skills which translate into supporting the best People outcomes.
- Ability to work at pace – balancing multiple projects, cases and priorities – recognising what is important and when it may be necessary to work over and above to achieve essential outcomes.
Why join us?
- Be part of a forward-thinking (‘top 50’ – Complete University Guide 2027) university committed to innovation and inclusivity, delivering high impact across Suffolk and beyond
- Be part of a talented and supportive People / HR team - shaping the future of the University of Suffolk workforce and our people approach to deliver positive people outcomes and a fit for purpose workforce.
- Enjoy a collaborative, learning culture and opportunities for professional growth.
Benefits
Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Provisional interview date: Friday 11th September 2026
For an informal conversation about the role please contact Angie Smith – People Operations Partner at [email protected] who will make appropriate arrangements for this.
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Please note:
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future.
Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.
We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
